Born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois, Elois is a woman rooted in purpose, faith, and community. She is a proud wife, mother, grandmother, Rock Island High School graduate, and Western Illinois University alum. After retiring from the State of Illinois in 2022, she immediately stepped into what she had always known was her calling, rebuilding her nonprofit, Black Resources, Inc.
For years, Elois felt a pull from God to uplift her community. She dreamed of creating something that would empower, educate, and support Black individuals and Black-owned businesses. She often found herself expressing frustration about the lack of organization and visibility within the community. One day, after hearing her concerns repeatedly, her daughter simply asked, “Why don’t you do it?” That question sparked the start of her mission and set her on the path toward meaningful action.
Her journey has been full of growth and hard-earned lessons. Technology was her biggest challenge. Building a website, navigating social media, and learning new computer skills did not come easy. She made mistakes, hired the wrong people, and found herself stuck more than once. But help came at the right time. Thanks to a connection through the QC Hispanic Chamber, she finally found an affordable and reliable web designer. Her niece took over social media, and with patience and trial-and-error, she pushed forward, gaining new skills along the way.
What keeps Elois going is simple: she is a finisher. Once she starts something, she completes it. Even on difficult days, her purpose keeps her grounded and her vision for the community keeps her focused. With Black Resources, Inc., Elois strives to identify and support new and existing Black businesses, keeping the economic cycle strong within the Black community. To her, giving back means circulating resources, opportunities, and support where they matter most.
While she is proud of what she has accomplished so far, Elois believes her biggest milestone is still ahead. One major project she leads is the QC African American Resource Directory, a powerful guide highlighting Black-owned businesses and organizations. January will mark the release of the final printed edition before the organization transitions fully digital in April. She believes this change will expand access and amplify impact even more.
Above all, Elois hopes her work inspires confidence, unity, and belief. She wants her story to encourage others to dream boldly, act, and understand that greatness already exists within the Black community and within themselves. She also hopes her efforts encourage the broader community to recognize, engage with, and appreciate Black excellence in the QC.
Her favorite quote reflects her dedication:
“We are the best at everything when we are at our best. So, give it your best every day.”
And her message to anyone with a dream is this: Never give up. Plan, work your plan every day, and trust that you are being guided exactly where you are meant to be.
This is HER Story.
This is Elois’ purpose.
This is her journey in the QC.
